constituent 1 of 2

constituent

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constituent distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of constituent are component, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

How are the words component and constituent related?

Both component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

When is it sensible to use element instead of constituent?

While the synonyms element and constituent are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is ingredient a more appropriate choice than constituent?

Although the words ingredient and constituent have much in common, ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of constituent
Noun
The position is a study in multitasking, and Rivas has a hand in everything from prepping for markups, devising questions for hearings and meeting with policy experts in Washington and constituent groups in Aguilar’s Southern California district. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 18 Sep. 2025 Exposure to the alkaline solution causes pollen’s constituent polymers to become more hydrophilic, or water-loving, so depending on the conditions, the gel will swell or shrink due to the absorption or expulsion of water, explains Ibrahim. Sandy Ong, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Marsden’s campaign emphasizes government transparency with new economic developments moving into town and supports developing housing options for constituents. Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025 South Lake Tahoe City Manager Joe Irvin acknowledged the city must rebuild trust with its constituents but maintained confidence in its about 230 employees to provide vital services for residents. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • The Institute views Louisville as an Urban Laboratory and the organization’s researchers partner with community members and policy makers with an eye toward building healthier cities.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Head over to Amazon to check out all of the Prime member deals for yourself, and keep scrolling for more exclusive savings on home essentials.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The layout by Oakland design studio Open Daily is clean; even more complicated recipes, like Henry Hsu’s multi-component cornerstone rice cakes, are easy to follow.
    Soleil Ho, SFChronicle.com, 9 Nov. 2020
  • By the '70s, motorists could buy component parts to convert older models into unique classics.
    Dalvin Brown, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2019
Noun
  • At the resort’s waterfront restaurant, Sally’s, holiday menus highlight coastal ingredients with festive accents.
    David Dickstein, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The ingredients list being as short as organic cacao, organic cane sugar and organic cacao butter, makes for the majority of the bars to be vegan-friendly and others keto-friendly with only being sweetened by monk fruit, a zero calorie sweetener.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The competition format, and thematic focus of each episode, meant that early shows were often organized around musical categories (ballads, duets, love songs) or occasionally around the catalog of individual artists (Lady Gaga, Britney Spears).
    Alan Light, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Strahan also included two individual shots with each of the girls in the photo carousel.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In reality, those layered elements are seamlessly built into one stylish piece.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The very elements that saved Michelle’s life—structure, safety, mentorship, and faith—are absent from California’s Housing First mandate.
    Michele Steeb, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In effect, farmers in rural America have warned of an impending economic crisis from the compounding factors of losing their top export market, falling crop prices and high costs.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Beyond the shock factor, Crow hopes her video inspires others with old jetted tubs to check theirs, and encourages empathy for people maintaining older homes.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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